as the afternoon progressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the afternoon progressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the passage of time during the afternoon, often indicating a change in mood, activity, or events as the day goes on. Example: "As the afternoon progressed, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The storms, which spawned progressively further up the coast from Brisbane to Gladstone as the afternoon progressed, left a trail of damage resulting from hail, rain and wind.

Wikipedia

But as the afternoon progressed, investors' fears subsided.

The New York Times

As the afternoon progressed, curious neighbours peeked out of their windows.

The Guardian

And as the afternoon progressed so the pool of potential winners expanded.

The Guardian - Sport

Transparency became the very obvious key to solving this problem as the afternoon progressed.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the afternoon progressed and he was getting worse, a nurse said she wondered if it could be hantavirus.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

chants as the evening progressed.

The New York Times - Sports

She appeared less and less steady as the night progressed.

The New York Times - Arts

But as the evening progressed, her passion increased.

The New York Times - Arts

As the evening progressed, this transformation became starker.

The New Yorker

As the evening progressed, the parents of both the bride and the groom made speeches.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the afternoon progressed" to create a sense of temporal flow and development in your writing, indicating how events or situations evolve over time during the afternoon.

Common error

Avoid using "as the afternoon progressed" when referring to events that occur at a single, specific point in the afternoon. This phrase is best suited for describing changes or developments that unfold gradually over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the afternoon progressed" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating when something occurred or changed. It sets a time frame and implies a gradual development, consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the afternoon progressed" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the unfolding of events during the afternoon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from credible sources, primarily in the realm of news and media. The phrase serves to set a temporal context, implying a gradual development or shift in circumstances. Alternative phrases, such as "as the afternoon wore on" or "later in the afternoon", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects a progression of events rather than a single occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the afternoon wore on

Emphasizes the length and passage of time more directly.

later in the afternoon

Focuses on a specific point in time within the afternoon rather than the progression.

as the day advanced

Broader temporal scope, not limited to just the afternoon.

with the passage of the afternoon

More formal and emphasizes the transition of time.

during the course of the afternoon

Highlights events happening within a defined period.

as the afternoon unfolded

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events.

as the hours of the afternoon passed

Highlights the duration and sequential passing of time.

as afternoon moved forward

Simple and direct synonym.

as the afternoon drew on

Implies the approach of evening and the end of the afternoon.

subsequently that afternoon

Focuses on the sequential nature of events occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "as the afternoon progressed" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to indicate the passage of time during the afternoon and the changes or developments that occur during that period. For instance, "As the afternoon progressed, the crowd began to thin out."

What are some alternatives to "as the afternoon progressed"?

Alternatives include "later in the afternoon", "as the afternoon wore on", or "during the course of the afternoon", each with slight differences in emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "as the afternoon progressed" in formal writing?

Yes, "as the afternoon progressed" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its neutrality allows it to fit comfortably in various contexts, as evidenced by its use in news articles and reports.

What's the difference between "as the afternoon progressed" and "as the day went on"?

"As the afternoon progressed" specifically refers to changes happening within the afternoon, whereas "as the day went on" encompasses the entire day and its progression.